The 2020 La Spinetta Barbaresco Valeirano is a Nebbiolo varietal hailing from the esteemed Piedmont region of Italy, specifically from the Treiso sub-appellation within Barbaresco. This red wine, produced by La Spinetta, is presented in a heavy glass bottle featuring the estate's recognizable rhinoceros design on a blue label. Sealed with a cork, it carries an alcohol content of 14.5%.
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate awarded this vintage a score of 94, with reviewer Monica Larner noting its "robust aromas of dark fruit, cassis, spice, crushed rose, and a heavier fruit note of kirsch or crème de cassis." Larner described it as a full-bodied Barbaresco from a hot vintage, highlighting its "rich fruit weight, dusty tannins, and good power."
Vinous gave the 2020 Barbaresco Valeirano an excellent score of 96. Antonio Galloni praised its "dark, brooding" character, with a flavor profile that includes "black cherry, graphite, sage, dried herbs, menthol, licorice, and incense." Galloni emphasized the wine's complexity and noted that it is "powerful but not overdone," suggesting that it "should evolve well for many years to come."
This vintage is characterized by its intense and layered flavors, reflecting the robustness typical of wines from a hotter vintage. The combination of dark fruit aromas and complex herbaceous notes provides a rich tasting experience that is expected to develop further with aging. The positive reception from both reviewers underscores the wine's high quality and potential for long-term cellaring.
In summary, the 2020 La Spinetta Barbaresco Valeirano is a distinguished Nebbiolo with significant aging potential, praised for its complexity and powerful yet balanced profile. With excellent reviews from both Robert Parker's Wine Advocate and Vinous, it stands out as a notable offering from La Spinetta.